Sbob - you really ought to look into these things before commenting, there will never be army cover again, they don't have the resources (people or equipment), and the dispute is about pensions more precisely about not getting one if you become unable to work through getting hurt on the job (there are other bits but this is the main sticking point). And also, have you even the faintest idea how many of us are ex army/navy/RAF? Judging by the tone of your post you don't.

Apologies for the mild troll post, I was just trying to give a reason for some of the animosity directed towards firemen which always seems to puzzle you folk, a lot of it comes from squaddies, from my experience.

And with regards to the bit in bold, I'm not sure you can be so certain when the army have provided cover before but have never had the proper resources, equipment or training.

Hmm, all seems a bit lacking in troll.

Firefighters.
The only workers who always quote their salaries after tax.